DoD Biometrics works to protect the nation through identity dominance by enabling responsive, accurate, and secure biometrics any place, any time. DoD Biometrics has transformed the current environment, which was based on legacy stovepipe pilot programs, Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrations (ACTD), and Rapid Equipping Force (REF) projects. Biometrics is moving towards an Enterprise system-of-systems staged architecture composed of strategic, operational, and tactical components.

Organizations within PM DoD Biometrics include:

Biometrics Enabling Capability (BEC)

Tactical Biometric Systems (TBS)

7.2 Biometrics Enabling Capability (BEC)BEC consists of the Next Generation-Automated Identification System (NG-ABIS) – the central, authoritative, multi-modal biometric data repository. It is the enterprise-level authoritative data source for DoD biometrics. NG-ABIS expands capabilities with multi-modal (fingerprint, palm, iris, face) storage and matching, watch list capability, and improved integration with interagency repositories. It is based on adaptations of COTS products, using open architecture to minimize development and speed deployment. The system takes advantage of low-risk, cost-effective blade hardware to optimize system availability and scalability, and ensure continuity of operations.

NG-ABIS interfaces with numerous DoD and interagency biometrics systems, including the FBI Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS), storing and matching biometric data on persons of interest to DoD.